Classrooms closed for non-OHS compliance

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) non-compliance issue identified at Waiqele College in Labasa is worrying for student safety and congestion.

School manager Emmanuel Jeet expressed concern and claimed the Ministry of Education was aware of the issue.

The OHS non-compliance issue involved a section of the concrete ceiling which had deteriorated and fallen off.

This led to four classrooms being cordoned off and classes diverted to other classrooms.

Two classrooms on the ground floor and two on the top floor were cordoned off due to OHS issues.

Mr Jeet said a ministry staff had visited the school in 2024.

He claimed despite the visit, it had been two years since the request was made, yet, no assistance from the ministry.

“We have advised the MOE, but, they seem to be disinterested in our request”.

Mr Jeet said due to four classrooms closed, students had to relocate to other classrooms.

Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) general secretary, Muniappa Goundar said the ministry should ensure OHS compliance remains priority.

Mr Goundar said OHS compliance reduced the risk of injuries to students and teachers.

“If the ministry officials had inspected the damaged portion, they should have submitted or presented a report to the ministry headquarters (HQ),” he said.

“We strongly urge the officials of the ministry and the ministry of labour to go and reinspect and provide a report to the ministry HQ,” he said.

Mr Goundar said small schools had fewer Free Education Grant (FEG) allocation, so the school management, needed help to repair.

“We can engage some of the donors in the Northern Division or abroad to help with this repair effort.”

Another alternative is to organise fundraising to generate funds for the concrete ceiling repair.

He labelled the issue as a health hazard and one which needed urgent intervention.

The Ministry of Education could not be reached for a comment.

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